Villagers in Win Over Bar Hours ; 'Another Whitley Bay' Fears

Summary

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FEARS that Tynemouth could become "another Whitley Bay" stopped bar bosses winning a longer opening hours fight. Bosses at Aspire, in Front Street wanted to extend the bar's opening hours on Friday and Saturday nights from 1.30am to 2.30am, and extend hours on a Sunday from 12.30am to 2.30am. But council planning chiefs rejected the application after police officers and residents claimed the move could spark a rise in crime and disorder in the picturesque village. Speaking after the decision by North Tyneside Council licensing committee, Richard Giles, vice-chairman of Tynemouth Village Association, hailed the decision as a victory for people power.

He said: "We are delighted with the decision. Tynemouth has come so far along the road as a drinking destination, but we hope this decision means it will go no further." Inspector Geoff Cross told the meeting he feared Tynemouth "could turn into Whitley Bay" as a popular drinking destination if opening hours are extended. He argued that allowing punters more time to drink would bring more trouble to the village. Insp Cross told of numerous incidents of violence and disorder which had taken place on Front Street in the past year, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, when Aspire and other local bars have extended opening hours. He said: "I want to make it crystal clear that Northumbria Police oppose this application and we believe an increase in the opening hours would have a detrimental effect on incidents in Tynemouth.

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Villagers in Win Over Bar Hours ; 'Another Whitley Bay' Fears

" Mr Giles echoed his views and added that Tynemou...

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